Machu Picchu Disaster: Peru’s Iconic Train Crash Strands Thousands, Tourists Face Chaos in Cusco’s Heart!

Published on December 31, 2025

A tragic accident on the key rail route to Machu Picchu, Peru’s world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, has disrupted travel for thousands of tourists and raised concerns about visitor safety. On 30 December 2025, a head-on collision between two passenger trains occurred near Qoriwayrachina, in the Cusco region, just hours before many travelers were scheduled to visit the iconic ancient ruins. The crash resulted in one fatality and left dozens injured, including several international tourists. The incident has drawn attention to the role of rail transport in Peruvian tourism, particularly in light of the sector’s reliance on the popular Cusco-Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu rail corridor.

Trains Collide, Tourists Left Stranded

The collision occurred during the busy holiday season when Machu Picchu sees its highest visitor numbers. The PeruRail and Inca Rail services, which provide the primary train access to Aguas Calientes, the town below the famous site, were involved in the crash. The collision caused significant damage to the front of both trains, injuring nearly 30 passengers, some of whom were reported to have serious injuries.

The crash has halted all train services between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, leaving many tourists stranded at Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo stations. This disruption has had immediate ripple effects on the local tourism industry, as visitors rely on these train services for their trip to Machu Picchu. Without access to the train services, thousands of tourists have faced delays and cancellations of their planned visits to one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. For many, Machu Picchu is the highlight of their Peru itinerary.

Peru’s Government Acts Swiftly to Manage the Situation

In response to the collision, the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism (Mincetur) has been quick to mobilize emergency services and ensure the safety of travelers. Local health authorities, alongside the National Police of Peru, have been working to transport the injured to nearby hospitals, and emergency response units are on the scene. Cusco’s Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) has confirmed that some of the injured are foreign tourists, though the exact number and nationalities are still being confirmed.

The government has also issued a public statement urging tourists to remain patient and assured them that efforts to restore train services are underway. In addition, the authorities have announced plans to offer refunds and assistance for those whose trips have been disrupted. The Tourism Protection Network (Red de Protección al Turista) is in place to offer travelers additional support, including information on alternative routes to reach Machu Picchu.

Tourism Industry Faces Immediate Challenges

The impact of the train crash extends beyond the immediate health concerns for the injured. Local businesses that rely heavily on tourism to Machu Picchu, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, are already facing cancellations. Many of these businesses depend on the influx of visitors to Cusco and Aguas Calientes, which sees over 1.5 million tourists annually, most of whom travel by train.

The crash also poses a long-term challenge to the reputation of Peru’s tourism infrastructure, which has been working hard to recover from past disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. While Machu Picchu remains one of the most sought-after destinations in South America, tourism stakeholders are concerned about the lasting effect that such an accident may have on travel confidence.

Rebuilding Confidence and Boosting Safety Standards

In the wake of the crash, Mincetur has committed to reviewing safety protocols on the rail network that connects Cusco to Machu Picchu. This includes an investigation into the cause of the crash, which remains unclear. Although initial reports suggest human error, the Ministry of Transport has emphasized that a thorough review of the incident will be conducted, and any necessary safety improvements will be implemented to avoid future accidents.

For the tourism industry, this incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust, safe infrastructure to support the millions of travelers who visit Peru each year. Authorities are working to reassure the public that all measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents, including more stringent safety checks and operational improvements.

Looking Ahead: The Resilience of Peru’s Tourism Sector

Despite the setbacks, Peru’s tourism sector remains one of the pillars of the country’s economy, with Machu Picchu continuing to draw visitors from around the globe. The accident, while tragic, serves as a reminder of the reliance that the global tourism industry places on safe transportation networks. As authorities continue to work on restoring normal services, they have emphasized their commitment to tourist safety and the importance of Machu Picchu remaining accessible to travelers who seek to experience the wonders of this ancient Incan city.